Hultgren statement on fiscal cliff package

Congressman Randy Hultgren, R-Winfield, released the following statement following his “No” vote on the fiscal cliff package, which passed the House by a vote of 257-167:

“The lack of spending cuts in this package is indefensible, which is why I voted against it. Washington, D.C. has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. This package fails to address that. In fact, it makes the 16 trillion dollar debt and trillion dollar deficit even worse.

“H.R. 8 addresses several significant issues, including tax rates for families. It repeals the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. It includes an extension of parity for employer-provided transit benefits, which is something I’ve [ http://hultgren.house.gov/press-releases/hultgren-to-transportation-conferees-restore-tax-break-for-commuters/ ] fought for repeatedly. Most importantly, it makes current tax rates permanent for individuals earning less than $400,000 and families earning less than $450,000. That must happen, but not in the absence of any effort to rein in spending.

“I’ve already voted against raising taxes on all Americans, and I cannot support an irresponsible bill which doesn’t begin to address the problem that got us into this mess in the first place.”